Google is searching for talent as well as information from across the web in a new collaboration in London.
The search giant is taking part in encouraging school age teenagers to take up science, hands–on engineering and apprentice style competition to guide boys from under-represented backgrounds into higher education as part of the Generating Genius programme.
Mentors guide students on the programme through engineering summer schools and weekend events for five years – from aged 13 to 18.
“Early results of the program have been fantastic,” said Google director Adrian Joseph.
“All of the first participants to graduate from the program have received offers to attend elite universities this autumn. Around 95% of them are the first in their families to go on to higher education.
“Google’s funding is enabling Generating Genius to include girls this year for the first time, as well as helping to expand upon the computer science component of the program.”
The joint venture was launched by Mr Joseph, MP Simon Hughes and youth culture advisor Munira Mirza together with Generating Genius founder Tony Sewell.
“Generating Genius has clear outcomes that will work with students from the beginning of secondary school until they are ready for university. Our methods have proven success with boys about to study the sciences in the top UK universities, all of whom began the Generating Genius programme aged 11,” said Mr Sewell.
Generating Genius partners include universities, schools, charities and corporate sponsors.
Google explained joining the programme is part of the corporation’s commitment to help talented black youngsters from London gain computing and technology skills that underpin computer science degrees.
“We believe it’s crucial to get students engaged in computer science early and enable them to become creators—not just consumers—of technology,” said Mr Joseph.
Google also partners the Top Black Talent Program, which recruits talented computer science students from African Caribbean Society chapters at universities for mentoring at Google.
Google mentors help students at talks and workshops, including career-focused sessions with resume and interviewing advice, plus technical discussions that provide insights in to the tech industry.
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